Celebrations
have always been a part of sport; from hugs, to dancing, to falling to
one knee to praise god. Many athletes are now being punished for
celebrating when it’s not harming anyone. Athletes with enthusiasm and
passion are what fans come to see. What’s better than watching Brett
Favre give a high five to a referee when he scores a touchdown? Should
Favre be punished for being so proud of the fact that his team scored
to take the lead? No. There’s no reason athletes today shouldn’t be
allowed to set an example of having fun. From the minute we begin
playing sports, coaches and parents have told us to “have fun.” So
aren’t these players getting punished for the same thing we are
teaching our little leaguers?
Just the other day, while playing Kentucky in the Music City Bowl,
Florida State corner Tony Carter intercepted a pass and ran it in for a
touchdown. Upon crossing the goal line, Carter leaped into the air and
did a full front flip, landing on his feet. Carter was flagged for the
flip and his team was also flagged for excessive celebration; so they
ended up kicking from their own 7 yard line! It’s almost like the
referees thought the Seminoles needed an obstacle bigger than losing 36
of their players. Although it could have gotten Tony Carter hurt, it
was his choice to do it and he deserved to celebrate. Some people may
argue that he should “act like he’s scored before” but I don’t find
that relevant. He’s a defensive player who only touches the ball when
he makes a spectacular play that deserves being celebrated.
When Indiana Hoosier, James Hardy caught a touchdown pass in the first
game of the season this year, he knelt down and point up to the sky in
remembrance of his former coach, Terry Hoeppner who died this past June
of complications of a brain tumor. When I saw Hardy take a knee and
show respect for his coach by point at him it reminded me that many
athletes still have passion and love for their sport. This would have
been one of the best stories of the year had the referee not shown up
to the game that day. Hardy was panelized 15 yards for “excessive
celebration”. Of course the Indiana fans, players and coaches didn’t
care because they knew Hardy was just showing respect for his former
coach.
Too many athletes are being scrutinized because of their love and
passion for the game. Is it really necessary to have a penalty for
jumping up in the air after making a good play? At least that’s
something that today’s youth can look at because it shows the love and
passion, and most importantly the fun these players put in the
game. Because in reality its all about having a little fun. I
believe strongly that if it is not offensive, harmful or a negative
influence than it shouldn’t be considered a penalty.
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